I'm just going to say it:

I am a firearms illiterate!

Up until a month ago I had never fired any type of gun in my life (unless you count a squirt gun!) It was possibly one of the most embarrassing moments of my life! I went through the safety info at the indoor range and thought I was all ready to go. HA! I was handed the loaded 9mm, got in my stance, had my hands just right and fired at the target that was waiting down the row. What I didn't expect (even though the safety guy warned me) was the gun to kick like it did. I screamed! It was bad enough there were no other females but I screamed.....I am still mortified that I did that.

I immediately turned to glare at my husband and son who where trying valiantly not to smile or laugh. Then I looked around and the other men were doing the same. It was awful. I could see the looks that crossed between my husband and the other guys. They were trying not to show it but all were quite amused.... at my expense.

THEN.....to make matters worse when we got home he told everyone who would listen that even though it was a new gun he was going to have to get it repaired because everytime I fired it made a BANG-EEK sound so surely it must need repair! The indignity of it all. He said it just confirmed what he knew all along....that I am a girly-girl and a poof princess! HUH!

I don't give up that easily! I am taking a firearms course ON MY OWN and have a gun that doesn't kick quite that hard. I have discovered a 38 works quite nicely for me and a revolver is easier for me than that Ruger P90D.

NOW.....why I am here today:

A beloved uncle passed away earlier this year. He didn't have a wife (lucky him) or children. His brother (other beloved uncle) and sister (used to be my mother) were the heirs as he did not leave a will. Somehow I ended up executor of his estate. It sucks to be honest and impartial sometimes! This is where my interest in firearms began.

He had over 80 guns that I had to inventory. I am pretty proud of myself. I managed make, model, and serial numbers. I have had trouble finding years on several of them and values are another story but for a novice it has been a great experience. I have a new love and respect for them and am sad to see them leaving me....especially the old ones.

He had over two dozen old military rifles. To name a few....Hakim Egyptian (what a tank!), Springfield Trapdoor (a beauty), the Mausers (including a few Carl Gustafs), and several Mosin Nagants. Just doing the research really gave me an all new respect for these amazing pieces.

I have been droning on and on here and won't even get into the other rifles, shotguns, and handguns.

Enjoy today!

Tracey

Welcome to the forum and welcome to gun ownership.

Too bad about your first experience. Not trying to get you upset or anything, but your husband is a bit of a jerk (we all are at times.) for how he introduced you to shooting and then made fun of you.

I'd have gone with a 22lr (less kick) and made your first time fun and exciting. He's lucky you still want to shoot and learn after that experience.

Don't worry, in my experience, it won't be long before you are out shooting him and can rub his nose in it.

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Forester,

You are too sweet! Funny you mentioned a 22LR. I just so happened to bring my uncles Ruger Mark II Target (22LR) and it was exactly right. The only thing that would have made that easier would be a shorter barrell.

Even though firing the big one scared the **** out of me I still hit the outer ring on the bullseye! HA! Beginners luck?

I am going to the county-city building tomorrow to apply for my concealed weapons permit. Better do it now while I still can!

Tracey

Hello Tracey & a big WELCOME ABOARD from the Great Lakes State of Michigan!!

You sound like a quick study, once you get comfortable around loaded handguns you'll be ok.......

Thank you!

I am trying. I have a S&W 38 Special CTG - Model 36. I haven't shot it yet but think it will be a good fit.

Welcome from Va.

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Roger

Tracey, welcome from North Carolina. Hang in there and you will do just fine.

Thank you all for the welcome. If I had known how nice people were here I would have tried playing with guns a long time ago.

I am just kidding about that! I know they are not toys but when I was a little girl guns were for boys and girls were not allowed! My how things have changed. My daughter is better than her brother!

Tracey

Howdy almost neighbor! Welcome to The Forum from up the road in Bothell. You will find, as I have, a lot of very friendly and knowledgeable people who won't make fun of you for admitting you don't know something. They are more than willing to impart their wisdom and experience in a way that won't make you feel like a dummy.

Welcome to the forum from Arkansas

Welcome from Michigan.

Greetings from Maine. Welcome aboard!

You'll have to post some of the firearms you are looking for information on in the Lounge, great bunch of members here who would be glad to help with any information needed.

I'm glad you've decided to join us! Welcome!

Welcome from Texas Tracey. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

Best of luck with your adventure.

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